Phillies need to lock in JT Realmuto immediately.

All player negotiations were postponed due to COVID-19. Negotiations are back on the table starting tomorrow. I’ve said it all along that JT Realmuto will get a long term deal from the Phillies. It needs to happen. Fast.

Jim Salisbury reporting this morning that the Phillies are expected to offer JT Realmuto a massive contract to the tune of “$23 million over the next 4, 5, 6 years.”

“Phillies want to lock up JT Realmuto for “more than $23 million over the next 4, 5, 6 years” (@JSalisburyNBCS) pic.twitter.com/1KmnHnp66y

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) June 25, 2020

$23 million plus would make him the highest paid catcher ever in terms of multi-year value. He deserves it.

Time is of the essence in the case of JT Realmuto. They have about a month to get the contract done before the shortened season deadline hits.

One slight problem is, he’s only 3 months from free agency. There’s a good chance that he could wait out the shortened season but that wouldn’t be the smartest move for JT. Think about it: no fans, no stadium revenue, could actually play in the Phillies favor. Free agency is likely to be on a down year financially.

At the end of the day, Bryce Harper will not let JT Realmuto walk. Book it. 

Offensive Numbers: 

A Killer Behind the Plate:

Realmuto so good at throwing out runners. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto has thrown out 35 attempted base stealers, by far the most in the majors. 

My prediction, by next week, the best catcher in baseball will be locked in on a long-term deal in Philadelphia.

HARPER REALMUTO ’20 || FIGHT, OR DIE